A new football club composed entirely of American-born players is set to join the English football pyramid for the 2027/28 season. FC 219, founded by Liverpool-born entrepreneur Tom Baker, will compete at Step 6, most likely within the North West Counties League. The club represents a unique venture, bridging talent development and education across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Baker, who operates out of Austin, Texas, established 219 Sports six years ago. The company specializes in securing scholarships for British athletes at American universities and holds a verified partnership with League Football Education (LFE), the official education provider of the English Football League. Since its inception, 219 Sports has facilitated over $7 million in scholarships for more than 250 UK students. FC 219 now reverses this approach by recruiting American players who have completed undergraduate degrees in the U.S. to pursue one-year postgraduate degrees in the UK while playing for the club.
The newly formed team has partnered with Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Lancashire. The 22-man squad will combine competitive football with academic study, marking an innovative model that merges higher education with athletic development. The club’s leadership has emphasized ambitions beyond mere participation, signaling intentions to win promotions and progress through the English football pyramid.
Highlighting the increased American involvement in English football, Baker pointed to the growing trend of U.S. ownership at various levels of the game. He cited examples such as Wrexham, backed by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, as emblematic of the rising American interest. FC 219 is positioned to attract attention not only from local supporters but also enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic, aiming to build a community-oriented club that combines development, inclusivity, and competitive spirit.
Preparations are underway for player recruitment, commercial activities, and the establishment of the club’s management and coaching staff. Baker described the initiative as groundbreaking, aiming to offer opportunities for players and supporters to engage with a distinct sporting project.
FC 219’s entry into the English football system underscores broader trends of international investment and participation in the sport while pioneering a collegiate-athletic pathway that integrates transatlantic academic and athletic ambitions.